OTTAWA, May 14, 2014 /CNW/ - Financial management initiatives by both Health Canada and Treasury Board Secretariat are being recognized for innovation by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada).
There was a tie this evening for the prestigious Innovation Award at an Ottawa gala to honour winners of The CPA Canada Awards of Excellence in Public Sector Financial Management.
The award celebrates innovative thinking, leadership and exemplary delivery of financial management services that lead to higher productivity and/or cost savings. "Simply too close to call for the Selection Committee," said Kevin Dancey, FCPA, FCA, president and CEO, CPA Canada. "Both groups demonstrated exemplary commitment to innovation and the sound financial management of public funds."
Innovation Award Winners
Health Canada: "Procure to Pay" initiative
- Jamie Tibbetts, assistant deputy minister/chief financial officer, Health Canada
- Michelle Gleeson, deputy chief financial officer/director general, Financial Operations Directorate (retired)
- Marie-Anne Bradford, director, Materiel and Assets Management Division
- Darwin Campbell, acting director, Accounting Operations West
- Andrew Holian, director, Financial Services — Regions and Programs
- Paul Lackner, director, Accounting Operations and Systems Division
- Robert Bryar, team lead, Corporate Applications and Systems
- Cathy Harris, chief, Special Projects
- Dan Lichtenstein, chief, FIRMS
- Mona Swierczynski, chief, IT FIRMS
This team's initiative, focusing on accounting and procurement, created an integrated platform serving Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Agency and Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency. The initiative resulted in 14 accounting offices and 12 procurement offices being consolidated into two hubs, saving $2 million annually.
Treasury Board Secretariat: Guideline on Chief Financial Officer Attestation for Cabinet Submissions initiative
- Roger Ermuth, executive director
- Sharon Smith, acting executive director
- Donna Dériger, senior director
- Bernie Geiger, director (now retired from the public service)
- Jean Roussel, senior advisor
- Kurt Chin Quee, senior analyst
This team's initiative changed the way many departments prepare their cabinet submissions. The new guideline will help meet the expectations of cabinet ministers relating to the soundness and quality of financial information being presented to them.
"The strong efforts of the Health Canada and Treasury Board Secretariat teams can inspire others to strive for outstanding performance," said Dancey.
2014 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
Andrew Smith, director, Financial Management Advisory Services, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) was officially recognized at the gala for his dedicated services. It had been recently announced that Smith would be receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.
In his 34 year career with DFO, Smith has played an instrumental role in the success of numerous complex initiatives. Smith also is credited with helping countless colleagues develop into highly capable financial specialists and helping good managers to become great managers.
"This award is all about respect from your peers for both individual accomplishment and commitment," stressed Dancey. "Heartfelt recognition from your colleagues is really the highest honour an individual can receive."
The CPA Canada Awards of Excellence in Public Sector Financial Management are presented annually and honour exceptional work by federal public servants who excel in the field of financial management. The awards program was formerly called the Award of Excellence for Comptrollership in the Public Sector.
Additional details about the awards and winners are available online at www.cpacanada.ca/PSFMawards.
Special Note
CPA Canada thanked The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) for its integral role in the establishment of awards program and continued support in advancing the best practices in public financial management and governance.
| The Sponsors | ||||
| Platinum Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy |
Gold Association of Canadian Financial Officers PwC |
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| Silver Financial Management Institute of Canada |
Media The Hill Times |
About CPA Canada
CPA Canada is the national organization established to support unification of the Canadian accounting profession under the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. It was created by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) and The Society of Management Accountants of Canada (CMA Canada) to provide services to all CPA, CA, CGA and CMA accounting bodies that have unified or are committed to unification. As part of the unification effort, CPA Canada and the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada (CGA-Canada) are working toward integrating their operations this year. Unification will enhance the influence, relevance and contribution of the Canadian accounting profession both at home and internationally. www.cpacanada.ca
About CIPFA
CIPFA, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, is the world's only professional accountancy body specialising exclusively in public finance. Our members work throughout the public services, in public audit agencies, in major accountancy firms, and in other bodies where public money needs to be effectively and efficiently managed. Globally, CIPFA shows the way in public finance by standing up for sound public financial management and good governance. CIPFA works with donors, partner governments, accountancy bodies and the public sector around the world to advance good professional practice and enable better delivery of public services.
SOURCE: CPA Canada
or to arrange an interview, contact:
Tobin Lambie, principal
CPA Canada
(416) 204-3228
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